MSSU’s academic and administrative computing facilities are provided in order to promote and support academic pursuits. Academic computing facilities are therefore to be used only for instruction and research activities. Administrative computing facilities are to be used in support of MSSU’s mission. Listed here are certain responsibilities and the ethical behavior expected of you as a computer user. In addition, since we are members of the MOREnet Consortium all computer users at MSSU are bound by their acceptable use policy, which can be viewed at http://www.more.net/about/servicepolicies/

This Acceptable Use Policy is a dynamic document that will change as new issues arise or further clarification of topics is required. If questions on acceptable use arise that are not directly answered by this document, the user should be conservative and consider it unacceptable use until clarification, amendment or exception to policies can be made by the appropriate university representative.

The guidelines presented here reflect U.S. Copyright Law, the Law of the State of Missouri and additional specific rules relative to the MSSU campus. It is the intent of Missouri Southern State University to adhere to the provisions of copyright laws relative to software and to comply with license agreements and/or policy statements contained in the software packages used on campus. If you need further clarification regarding these policies and guidelines, please contact the Computer Center

• All computer software is protected by the federal copyright law. It is illegal to make or distribute copies of copyrighted material without authorization.
• The copyright owner may grant copying privileges for certain software. These special provisions will be specified in the documentation, license agreement, or in the software package.
• The user does have the right to make a backup copy for archival purposes.
• Under No circumstances should copyrighted software be distributed outside the university through any mechanism, electronic or otherwise.
• You are responsible for being aware of the licensing restrictions for the software you use on any system. Lack of knowledge does not justify a violation of the law.
• When in doubt, do not copy. Violation of copyright law of licensing agreements may result in university disciplinary action and/or may result in legal action.
• In order to receive user support from Information Services, from microcomputer lab assistants, or from vendors, you may be asked to produce the manuals, serial numbers, or original diskettes as proof of proper software licensing.